Listowel Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society

I have taken all of the following information and photos from a booklet written by Michael Dillane to celebrate 70 years of the Vincent de Paul Society in Listowel.

 I think the committee is not much changed since 2010 and still working just as hard.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a local charitable group who come together to serve the community in which they live. Help of every description  is given to anyone in need in a discreet confidential and non judgmental manner. Obviously they can only work within the resources available to them. In the current economic climate, people are still very generous but there are increased calls for their help.
In 2009 the Listowel conference raised €148, 218. Most of this was spent on worthwhile local projects.
Some of the most vulnerable people in our community, poor people, old people, and people living alone make up most of the cohort who call on the services of the Vincent de Paul.
Volunteers prepare and deliver meals five days a week. Some,who live locally come to the Day Centre to partake of their meal in the company of friends.
People take very welcome holiday and respite breaks in Ballybunion Friendship and Respite Centre- The Towers.
Vincent's Thrift Shop sells good-as-new clothing, books and housewares at very reasonable prices.
Parents are helped with education costs.
The annual Christmas party is a very enjoyable occasion.
Help, in the form of food vouchers and fuel, lighten the burden of Christmas for many needy families.
People in financial difficulty may apply to the committee for help.

Where does the money come from?
Bingo every Sunday night in The Plaza is both a fundraiser and a valuable social outlet for many local people. Transport is provided free of charge to people living locally. For many people, Sunday night Bingo is the high point of their week.
A yearly church gate collection is usually well supported.
Other income is generated from donations and bequests.
Sometimes other groups, like KnitWits donate monies to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

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I am learning to crochet. This is the brooch I made on my third attempt. This and any others I succeed in making will be on sale at KnitWits' stall in aid of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at the craft fair on Nov. 4 in Listowel Community Centre.  Price to be determined but if I were to be recompensed for the blood, sweat and tears that went into making it it would be about €50!

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Martin Sheehy tells me that the man presenting Junior with the handball trophy in Thursday's photo is the legendary Frank Sheehy.

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The work on the extension to the cinema is progressing well.

Listowel's new gym is located in the old Morkan Tiles, formerly Walshe's Ballroom.

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Information Please

Can anyone help this follower who emailed last week?

I'm trying to find the exact location of Bedford Hall.

I believe it was near Bedford Cross.  Help in pinpointing 

its site would be very much appreciated.  My father 

played there as a musician in the 1930s.

Are there any images of it in existence?

Any help will be appreciated.

Kerry Barrett

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